Earthquake preparedness tips from RFD

Apr. 17, 2008

A file image of a seismograph showing seismic activity. / AP photo

With this week's anniversary of the destructive San Francisco earthquake and fires that occurred on April 18, 1906, and the recent seismic activity in the Western Nevada area, the Reno Fire Department is reminding homeowners of the need to have an emergency kit with supplies to meet the basic survival needs of the occupants for three days to a week.

“We all need to be able to shelter in our home for a minimum of 72 hours and possibly up to a week, whether the emergency is an earthquake, flood or other situation,” said Reno Fire Chief Paul Wagner. “The home emergency kit should be individually tailored to meet the basic survival needs or your family in the event that the emergency situation disrupts services and or creates situations in which food, water and other essential supplies are limited or unavailable.”

Emergency supplies can be stored in a large, clean trash can with a cover, plastic storage container, suitcase, duffle bag, backpack, footlocker or individual pack. Non-perishable food items such as ready-to-eat items in unbreakable containers, canned meats, juice, fruits and vegetables, powdered milk, infant care foods, crackers, peanut butter, freeze-dried and dehydrated goods are recommended. In addition, emergency supplies should include enough bottled water to provide a minimum of 1-gallon per person per day.

Other items recommended for emergency survival kits include:

Battery-powered radio

First aid kit and manual

Sleeping bags and wool/thermal blankets

Manual can opener

Waterproof/wind-proof matches

Flashlight and spare batteries

Water purification tablets

Utility knife

Emergency candles

Extra eyeglasses/contact lenses

Essential medications

Extra clothing

Wagner also suggested items for a sanitation kit should include:

Plastic bucket with tight fitting lid

Plastic bags and ties

Disinfectant

Improvised toilet set

Paper cups and plates

Personal toiletries and hygiene products

Baby/infant supplies

Aluminum foil

Paper towels

Plastic utensils

Soap

Work gloves

Wagner said families also need to provide for the care of pets during emergencies by making sure there is sufficient dry pet food kept in tightly-sealed containers, having a large capacity self-feeder for food and one for water, as well as extra medications.

According to Wagner, preparations for emergencies should also include secured but accessible copies of marriage licenses, home mortgage, property and vehicle ownership papers, insurance documents, wills, jewelry or other appraisals, birth certificates, bank account information and any other document that may be needed following a catastrophic event.

For more information about emergency preparedness and fire prevention, contact the Reno Fire Department’s Division of Fire Prevention at (775) 334-2300.